IDOF FRESH MEDITERRANEAN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND SIGN AVAILABLE IN BATHROOM INSTRUCTING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A HAND SINK INSTRUCTING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS PRIOR TO RETURNING TO WORK.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF DRINK DISPENSER IN LOBBY TO BE HEAVILY SOILED AND COVERED WITH A BLACK AND GREY SLIME AND SUBSTANCE THAT IS DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANTITIZE, AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VARIOUS PIECES OF BEEF THAWING IN FOOD PREP SINK AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN THE MIDDLE PREP/MEAT PREP ROOM IN REAR. INSTUCTED TO THAW ALL FOODS APPROPRIATELY AS ALLOWED BY CODE.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER PRESENT IN THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO ENTRANCE TO THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER TO MEASURE THE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF COOLER.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS IN BOXES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA, IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED IN BOXES ON THE FLOOR IN THE MEAT PREP ROOM AS WELL AS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE HALL LEADING TO ALLEY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR STANDING COOLER IN REAR AND VARIOUS DRY STORAGE SHELVES TO HAVE CARDBOARD USED AS A LINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, AND NON ABSORBENT REPLACMENT FOR LINERS.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR STANDING COOLER IN REAR AND VARIOUS DRY STORAGE SHELVES TO HAVE CARDBOARD USED AS A LINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, AND NON ABSORBENT REPLACMENT FOR LINERS.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.